The Ice Curtain

by Robin White

It was just another murder. Another Mafia shooting on a dark Moscow street. But for Gregori Nowek, the new Siberian delegate, this killing was personal. To find out who ordered his best friend shot,

Nowek must recover a vast cache of diamonds that vanished somewhere between Siberia’s mines and Moscow’s vaults. Plunged into a world of glittering gems and dangerous lies, Nowek races to find the diamonds before the world learns they’re gone.

His search will take him back to the place he knows best...Siberia. There, in a gem-filled chasm deep in the earth, are secrets guarded by the murderous greed of the diamond cartel and kept by a beautiful woman trapped behind her own curtain of ice. Caught in a staggering conspiracy, Nowek will risk his life to find the truth...and to bring an astounding act of deception into the light of day.

Genres: Fiction

448 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

Reviews

[Jean]

This is the second book in this series by Robin White about murder in Siberia - and then they stopped. I may just pull these down and re-read both again. I am surprised that the books haven't been optioned for a movie - I can see these easily on the big screen.

[Nohow2]

Diamonds in Siberia? Yes, and a thrilling adventure to go with it. Similar charactors from White's "Siberian Light". If you never thought you would experience feeeling for Russians, you will after reading this one.

[Tes]

I agree with Jean...The two books in this series (especially this one) would be thrilling on thie big screen.

[Amy]

Awesome plot surrounding diamond cartels, the mafiya, and Russian government!

[Jamie]

This is my first novel by Robin White. A story of greed & callous control. A friend is murdered like a dog in the street for demanding the miners get paid. Nowek witnesses the crime & is determined to find the people responsible even if he has to team up with a FSB agent & go to the deep freeze of Siberia to learn the truth. But there is more danger than Nowek bargains for as he finds himself up against the most ruthless control freaks; the diamond hoarders. The story illuminates the struggle of the Russian spirit for hope in the harsh grey world of Siberia.

[Liz Hobson]

Fabulous background detail on life in post soviet Russia and insightful look at the life and economy of Siberia. I enjoyed this thriller but my rating is relatively low because the story just didn't move fast enough for me and I found myself wishing I could get there quicker. I struggled to picture a lot of the scenes despite the copious amount of descriptive detail - at times there was just too much and I found myself skipping it. I'm on the fence about reading another from the same author - despite loving the story setting.

[Garth Pettersen]

An enjoyable, fast-paced novel with solid characters in a well-crafted setting (Yeltsin's Russia).

[Marva]

Over halfway through and still felt like the introduction. Nice descriptions though

[Marcia]

Quite engaging and informative book about Russia.
The callous way ordinary citizens are treated by the government is not surprising, but nonetheless, horrifying. "The government" in Russia is nothing like any other government. Even the protagonists do not know if the people they are dealing with are trustworthy.
One government official may be ousted the very next day at the whim of another government official. Bribes are a standard practice. Ruthless murders are not exceptional.
The progression of the USSR through the various modern day leaders is provided by different people in all social strata. Many say that communism provided more proletarian comfort than the various new regimes.
An individual's truth is nothing compared to the media's depiction of it. There were other well handled insights.
It would make a great movie, I agree. Much treachery and action.
The depiction of winter is very nice. The expression, is very poetic and shows the depth of the poetic mind.

[james]

This author writes about modern day Siberia. Ice Curtain deals with the antics of a mammouth diamond cartel and a lone investigator. It's a quick read.

[Kyra]

Not quite as sharp as some of his other offerings, but a fun, suspenseful read nonetheless. Did I say "fun"? I am so grateful to my parents for emigrating. Bolshoe spahceebo.

[Laura]

Not a bad read.